Device cover, particularly suited for electronic devices

ABSTRACT

Device includes a cover and a face provided on the cover. Cover may include a window sufficiently clear so that a portion of an object on which the cover is disposed can be viewed through the window. The window may serve to magnify or reduce the image of the viewed object. The window may be a clear, colored window to vary the apparent color of the viewed object. Likewise, the window may be a clear colorless window. The window may include an outer and inner layer of material enclosing a fluid, such as a gas or liquid, to protect the viewed object, such as the viewed keypad of a cellular telephone. The fluid may include one or more liquids, one or more of which may be of different colors so that when the window is pressed, different patterns are viewed in the liquid. The pressing of the liquid may likewise cause objects, such as logos or toys suspended in the liquid to move about in the liquid to enhance the effect. The thickness of the layers and the volume of the fluid may be select so as the protect the viewed object, such as the keys of a telephone, as well as to prevent inadvertent actuation of an ON/OFF button on the covered object. The cover may be in any desired configuration, including anthropomorphic and animal-like shapes.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. application No.60/174,590, filed Jan. 5, 2000, and this application claims the priorityof U.S. application No. 60/174,376, filed Jan. 4, 2000 and each of whichis incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention is directed to device covers. More particularly,the invention is directed to a cover for electronic devices, forexample. Even more particularly, the invention relates to a cover havinga window for viewing at least a portion of an object covered thereby,such as the dialpad of a telephone.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Covers for a variety of devices are known.

[0004] Known devices range from simple dust covers for toasters forpreventing dust and grease accumulation to lead-lined covers forpreventing unintentional development of photographic film within coveredcameras by x-ray equipment.

[0005] Covers are likewise known for electronic devices, such ascellular telephones, laptop computers, and the like.

[0006] Known covers for cellular or digital telephones, for example,have limited protective value.

[0007] In addition, known covers lack additional features that enhancethe functionality and usefulness thereof.

[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for a cover which overcomes thedrawbacks of prior art devices.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An object of the invention is to overcome the drawbacks of priorart devices.

[0010] Another object of the invention is to provide a cover for avariety of devices.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a cover forportable electronic devices.

[0012] A further object of the invention is to provide a carrier, pouch,and/or cover for telephones, pagers, personal digital assistants,wireless communication appliances and devices, wireless on-line databasesystems (internet appliances and devices), wireless network appliancesand devices, and the like.

[0013] A still further object of the invention is to provide a coverwhich serves to both protect and enhance the usability of the devicewhich it covers.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to provide a cover whichenhances the visual interest of the device which it covers.

[0015] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a cover whichenhances the portability of the device which it covers.

[0016] A still further object is to provide a cover which protects thecovered device, and which allows for the intended use of the electronicdevice.

[0017] In summary, the invention is directed to a device including acover and a face provided on the cover. The face includes a window thatis sufficiently clear so that a portion of an object on which the coveris disposed can be viewed through the window.

[0018] It will be appreciated that relative terms such as left, right,up, and down are for convenience only and are not intended to belimiting.

[0019] Likewise, the term cellular telephone is for convenience and isto be understood to include all types of telephones, not limited towireless communications appliances, digital telephones, satellitetelephones, wireless network appliances, and, indeed, any portableelectronic device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020]FIG. 1 shows a first preferred embodiment of a cover, such as acellular telephone cover according to the invention;

[0021]FIG. 2 shows another preferred embodiment of a cellular telephonecover according to the invention;

[0022]FIG. 3 shows a further preferred embodiment of a cellulartelephone cover according to the invention;

[0023]FIG. 4 shows a further preferred embodiment of a cellulartelephone cover according to the invention;

[0024]FIG. 6 shows another preferred embodiment of a cellular telephonecover according to the invention;

[0025]FIG. 7 shows a further preferred embodiment of a cellulartelephone cover according to the invention;

[0026]FIG. 8 shows another preferred embodiment of a cellular telephonecover according to the invention in the form of an anthropomorphic shapeor an animate object, such as a bear;

[0027]FIG. 9 shows a still further preferred embodiment of a cellulartelephone cover according to the invention similar to FIG. 8;

[0028]FIG. 10 shows another preferred embodiment of a cellular telephonecover according to the invention similar to FIGS. 8 and 9, with thesubstitution of a cat's head for the bear's head;

[0029]FIG. 11 shows a further preferred embodiment of a cellulartelephone cover according to the invention in the forms of inanimateobjects, such as a baseball and a football;

[0030]FIG. 12 shows a still further preferred embodiment of a cellulartelephone cover according to the invention in the form of a baseballwith a team logo (stylized);

[0031]FIG. 13 shows a further preferred embodiment of a cellulartelephone cover according to the invention similar to FIG. 12;

[0032]FIG. 14 shows another preferred embodiment of a cellular telephonecover according to the invention similar to FIG. 11;

[0033]FIG. 15 shows a further preferred embodiment of a cellulartelephone cover according to the invention similar to the footballversion of FIG. 11, and with an optional top flap;

[0034]FIG. 16 shows another preferred embodiment of a cellular telephonecover according to the invention;

[0035]FIG. 17 shows a still further preferred embodiment of a cellulartelephone cover according to the invention, along with a neck strap orwrist strap;

[0036]FIG. 18 shows a still further preferred embodiment of a cellulartelephone cover according to the invention;

[0037]FIG. 19 shows a further preferred embodiment of a cellulartelephone cover according to the invention;

[0038]FIG. 20 shows another preferred embodiment of a wrist or neckstrap for use with the covers according to the invention, for example;

[0039]FIG. 21 shows a further preferred embodiment of a cellulartelephone cover according to the invention similar to FIG. 1;

[0040]FIG. 22 shows another preferred embodiment of the front ofcellular telephone cover according to the invention similar to the bearof FIG. 9;

[0041]FIG. 23 shows the rear of the preferred embodiment of a cellulartelephone cover according to the invention of FIG. 22;

[0042]FIG. 24 shows the rear of the preferred embodiment of a cellulartelephone cover according to the invention of FIG. 22 with the zipperunzipped for allowing insertion of a portable electronic device;

[0043]FIG. 25 shows another preferred embodiment of the face of a coveraccording to the invention particular suited for pagers and the like;

[0044]FIG. 26 shows the rear of the preferred embodiment of the coveraccording to the invention of FIG. 25;

[0045]FIG. 27 shows a rear view of the preferred embodiment of the coveraccording to the invention of FIG. 25 with the two halves separated forviewing and using an unillustrated pager, for example;

[0046]FIG. 28 shows a front view of the preferred embodiment of thecover according to the invention FIG. 25 with the two halves separatedas in FIG. 27;

[0047]FIG. 29 shows a front view of a still further preferred embodimentof a cellular telephone cover according to the invention similar to theembodiments of FIGS. 4 and 7 that has playable soccer players and soccerballs provided in the fluid layer; and

[0048]FIG. 30 shows a rear view of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 29.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049]FIG. 1 shows a first preferred embodiment of a cover according tothe invention, particularly suited for a cellular telephones, forexample.

[0050] Cover 10 includes a flap 14 which may be detachably attached tothe remainder of cover 10 by a fastener 18.

[0051] An optional hole 24 may be provided to enhance the ability of auser to hear the speaker of a telephone disposed within cover 14.

[0052] An optional mouthpiece hole 26 may be provided. It has been foundthat the type and thickness of cover 10 may be varied so as to precludethe need for holes 24 and 28, while still allowing the user to talk onan enclosed telephone and hear clearly the person to whom the caller isspeaking.

[0053] Cover 10 may include a first layer 32, a second layer 34, and athird layer 36.

[0054] First and second layers 32 and 34 may be sufficiently clear sothat a portion of an object disposed within cover 10 is visible fromoutside the cover. One or both of layers 32 and 34 may be clear andeither colored or colorless. For example, at least one of first andsecond layers 32 and 34 may be clear and colorless while the other oneof the layers may be clear and blue.

[0055] Third layer 36 would be disposed between first and second layers32 and 34. Layer 36 may be a fluid, such as a gas, and/or a liquid.

[0056] In the case where layer 36 is a fluid, good results have beenachieved when third layer 36 includes first and second fluids, as willbe described in detail below.

[0057]FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of a cover showing how a face 40of the cover may include a window 44. In FIG. 2, window 44 coverssubstantially the entire face of the cover, as in the embodiment ofFIG. 1. It is contemplated that window 44 of face 40, for example, islocated in the vicinity of a keypad of an electronic device received inthe cover.

[0058]FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the invention similar toFIGS. 1 and 2.

[0059]FIG. 3 shows a section A-A. That section A-A is shown in two (2)different ways on the left of FIG. 3. At the top left of FIG. 3, it isshown how third layer 36 may include a first fluid 52 and a second fluid54. As shown in the bottom left figure of FIG. 3 first fluid 52 may be aclear blue fluid and second fluid 54 may be a clear yellow fluid.

[0060] It is contemplated that first and second fluids 52 and 54 beimmiscible liquids, so that the blue and yellow colors, for example,remain distinct, (i.e., unmixed over time). In that manner, interestingpatterns may develop owing to the fluids moving relative to each otherand owing to the user pressing against one or both of first and secondlayers 32 and 34.

[0061] It has been found that this feature works well when the user isusing the keypad of an electronic device disposed within the cover, whenthe user presses against the exterior one of first and second layers 32and 34 pressure is applied to fluid layer 36. In that manner, fluidlayer 36 is caused to be compressed and, thus, typically made thinner atthe point where pressure is applied. The movement of the fluid away fromthat pressure point caused by the user's finger disturbs the pattern ofthe first and second fluids 52 and 54 that had resulted during thequiescent (non-use) state of the device.

[0062] Good results have also been achieved when the cover receives adevice, such as a digital or cellular telephone with backlighted keys onits keypad, such as are in widespread use today. In that manner, thebacklighting of the keys adds to the visual interest when one or more ofthe first, second, or third layers is a clear colored layer.

[0063]FIG. 3 also illustrates the use of a movable element 48 which maybe a decorative element, such as the illustrated glitter thatsubstantially freely moves around within the fluid layer.

[0064]FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment in which moveable elements48 are in the form of toys, such as the illustrated soccer player 62.Furthermore, some of the moveable elements 48 are in the form ofcorresponding soccer balls 64, by which the user can press against oneor more of soccer players 62 and apply pressure in a manner so as tocause player 62 to approach soccer ball 64 and “kick” soccer balls 64.

[0065] A strap 70 may be applied to the embodiment of FIG. 4 and to anyof the other embodiments according to the invention. Strap 70 may be inthe form of a wrist strap or a neck strap.

[0066]FIG. 5 shows another preferred embodiment of the cover in whichthe moveable element is in the form of a flower 74.

[0067]FIG. 6 shows another preferred embodiment of the invention inwhich the moveable element is in the form of a butterfly 76. Further, afastener 80, such as hook-and-loop fastener is use for detachablysecuring the flap through which the device is inserted into the cover isdetachably attached to the remainder of the cover.

[0068]FIG. 7 illustrates another preferred embodiment of a cover inwhich soccer players and soccer balls are again shown, as well as azipper 84, which may be used in any of the other embodiments.

[0069]FIG. 8 illustrates an animate FIG. 90, such as the illustratedbear. This cover has a window 94 which may be as described above withmultiple layers, or may be a single layer of plastic, for example,provided on the rear thereof.

[0070] Self-closing fastener 88 may be used for attaching cover 90 to achild's pants or the user's backpack, for example. In that manner theelectronic device is less likely to be forgotten.

[0071]FIG. 9 illustrates another preferred embodiment of a cover 100similar to the cover of FIG. 8 that has a window 104 on the front sideof the figure. A pull 108 which may be in the form of an animal tail canbe provided for providing enhancing usability of the illustrated zipperfor opening the cover for inserting the portable electronic devicetherein.

[0072]FIG. 10 illustrates another animate FIG. 110 in the form of a cathaving a cat's head 112 and a cat tail 114. The FIG. 10 embodiment maybe made by substituting cat's head 112 for the head of the bear 100 ofFIG. 9. Likewise, cat's tail 114 can be substituted for the bear tail108 of FIG. 9. The same body may be used for ease of production.

[0073] By using the anthropomorphic and animate figures according theinvention, a user, such as a child, is more likely to take the coveredcellular phone with him or her, as may be desired by the child's parent.The child is less likely to forget the cellular phone somewhere.

[0074]FIG. 11 shows, in the left three figures thereof, a cover 120suggestive of a baseball having a baseball-like seam 122 extendingaround the different sides of the cover. A football version 124 maylikewise be provided.

[0075]FIG. 12 shows another baseball version having a logo thereon.

[0076]FIG. 13 shows a still further embodiment of a baseball cover.

[0077]FIG. 14 shows another preferred embodiment of a baseball cover inthe left three figures, and a football cover in the single right figure.

[0078]FIG. 15 shows another version of a football cover.

[0079]FIG. 16 shows another preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0080]FIG. 17 illustrates yet another preferred embodiment of theinvention with a variety of closure and fastener means.

[0081]FIG. 18 illustrates yet another preferred embodiment of the coverwith another type of fastener thereon.

[0082]FIG. 19 shows another still further preferred embodiment of acover according to the invention.

[0083]FIG. 20 illustrates a variety of wrist and/or neck straps 70according to the invention illustrating trademarks of Brigade Sales &Marketing, Inc. of Dallas, Tex.

[0084]FIG. 21 shows another cover according to the invention in whichfirst fluid 52 and second fluid 54 can be seen as separate immiscibleliquids.

[0085] FIGS. 22-24 illustrate another preferred embodiment of a coveraccording to the invention, similar to the embodiment of FIG. 9. FIG. 22shows the face, FIG. 23 shows the rear when closed, and FIG. 24 showsthe rear of the cover when open so as to allow insertion of a deviceinto the cover.

[0086] FIGS. 25-28 show a still further preferred embodiment of a cover125 according to the invention. Cover 125 is particularly suited for usewith electronic devices such as pagers. FIG. 25 shows the face of thecover when closed, FIG. 26 shows the rear of the cover when closed, FIG.27 shows the face of the cover when open, and FIG. 28 shows the rear ofthe cover when open.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 27, cover 125 includes a first side 126A and asecond side 126B detachably attached thereto by use of a first fastener127A and a second faster 127B, for example. A single fastener ormultiple fasteners can be used as will be appreciated. Fasteners 127Aand 127B may conveniently be made of the hook portion and the loopportion of hook-and-loop fasteners respectively.

[0088] A window 128 may be provided through which the user views thekeypad and/or display of a pager disposed therein, for example.

[0089] A fastener may be provided for opening and closing an opening inthe interior or the cover for insertion and removal of the pager, forexample.

[0090]FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate a cover 130 similar to some of theabove embodiments in which a soccer player(s) 134 and a ball(s) 138 areprovided, and used as described above.

[0091]FIG. 29 shows the face thereof and FIG. 30 shows the rear thereof.A further pocket, such as the illustrated mesh holder may be providedfor carrying an additional electronic device, keys or writinginstruments, for example.

[0092] It is contemplated that any of a variety of synthetic and naturalmaterials be used for the illustrated and described elements set forthherein.

[0093] The immiscible liquids may include oil and water, gels, and gasessuch as air. The illustrated figures are merely examples, and additionalanimals other than bears and cats are contemplated.

[0094] The layer(s) of the window in the various embodiments prevent thekeys of the keypad placed behind the window, in use, from beinginadvertently actuated. The thickness of the first, second, and thirdlayers can be varied to achieve the desired protection from blows andfrom inadvertently actuation.

[0095] Prior art covers often allow accidental pressing and, hence,actuation of the “POWER” key that leads to undesirable batterydischarge, thus rendering the device inoperable.

[0096] A liquid third layer, for example, prevents such inadvertentactuation.

[0097] The layer(s) also reduce/eliminate harm to the covered devicefrom blows by the person or other objects.

[0098] The layer(s) may be made of soft, flexible material, as well ashard plastic material. Such hard plastic material likewise may serve toprotect the keypad of the covered object. The hard plastic may be in theform of a lenticular face surrounded by the remainder of the coverand/or a surround of relatively soft plastic. The lenticular cover mayserve as an enlarging (or reducing) lens to enlarge (or reduce) the sizeof the keypad fom the viewpoint of the user, as discussed below.

[0099] In addition to floating objects, such as the toys (e.g., soccerplayer) described above, it is contemplated that trademarks, symbols,logos, and the like be used.

[0100] All covers may be made with or without gel as an inner layer.

[0101] The layer(s) may also be used to make the keys on the keypadplaced in the cover easier to read.

[0102] The layer(s) may be normally convex when a device is in the coverand no keys are being depressed. Such convex shape is shown in variousones of the figures on the attached Figures.

[0103] Good results have been achieved when the third layer is a liquidlayer which magnifies the button on a cellular telephone, for example.The liquid(s) of the liquid layer are selected so as to achieve thedesired readiblity by magnifying the image of the keys as viewed by theuser with the desired degree of magnification and clarity of the image.

[0104] One or more of the first, second, and third layers can be sizedand selected for achieving the desired magnification.

[0105] The image seen by the viewer can be distorted, with or withoutmagnification, as desired.

[0106] As will be appreciated, the layers may be made convex; i.e.,bowed outwardly toward the user in order to achieve magnification fromthe window/layer(s) acting as a magnifying convex lens.

[0107] Alternatively, the window/layer(s) may be disposed so as to be aconcave, image reducing lens, in use. By “concave” it is meant that thelayer(s) are bowed outwardly away from the user.

[0108] In the case where the third layer is a fluid (liquid or gas),when the user presses against the layer(s), the layer(s) will becomemore concave at the pressure point under the user's finger. And theliquid will flow toward other regions above the non-depressed keys. Inthat manner, the layer(s) will be more convex above the next key(s)which is to be depressed by the user. Thus, it has been found that thekey(s) which is to be pressed next in the keystroke sequence will beeven easier to see thanks to the more convex region of the layer(s)above the next key yielding greater magnification of the next key.

[0109] Alternatively, the image seen by the viewer can be distorted,with or without magnification to achieve an unusual visual effect, asdesired.

[0110] It has been found that blue, green, red, and yellow layers areparticularly easy to see.

[0111] While this invention has been described as having a preferreddesign, it is understood that it is capable of further modifications,and uses and/or adaptations of the invention and following in generalthe principle of the invention and including such departures from thepresent disclosure as come within the known or customary practice in theart to which the invention pertains, and as may be applied to thecentral features hereinbefore set forth, and fall within the scope ofthe invention or limits of the claims appended hereto.

1. A device, comprising: a) a cover; b) said cover including a faceprovided on said cover, said face including a window; and c) said windowbeing sufficiently clear so that a portion of an object on which saidcover is disposed can be viewed through said window.
 2. A device as inclaim 1, wherein: a) said window is substantially entirely clear.
 3. Adevice as in claim 2, wherein: a) said window is colorless.
 4. A deviceas in claim 2, wherein: a) said window is colored.
 5. A device as inclaim 4, wherein: a) said window is blue.
 6. A device as in claim 1,wherein: a) said window includes a first layer and a second layer.
 7. Adevice as in claim 6, wherein: a) a third layer is provided between saidfirst and second layers.
 8. A device as in claim 7, wherein: a) saidthird layer includes a fluid.
 9. A device as in claim 8, wherein: a)said fluid includes a gas.
 10. A device as in claim 8, wherein: a) saidfluid includes a liquid.
 11. A device as in claim 10, wherein: a) saidfluid includes an oil.
 12. A device as in claim 11, wherein: a) saidfluid includes water.
 13. A device as in claim 8, wherein: a) said fluidincludes first and second immiscible liquids.
 14. A device as in claim13, wherein: a) the first immiscible liquids is clear.
 15. A device asin claim 14, wherein: a) the clear liquid is colorless.
 16. A device asin claim 14, wherein: a) the clear liquid is colored.
 17. A device as inclaim 16, wherein: a) the colored liquid is blue.
 18. A device as inclaim 17, wherein: a) the second liquid is yellow.
 19. A device as inclaim 18, wherein: a) said cover is sized for covering a portableelectronic device; and b) said window is sized and located for coveringa keypad of a portable electronic device covered by said cover.
 20. Adevice as in claim 19, wherein: a) said cover is sized for substantiallycompletely covering a portable electronic device in use; and b) saidwindow is sized for substantially completely covering the keypad of aportable electronic device in use.
 21. A device as in claim 20, wherein:a) said cover in sized for covering at least one of a telephone, apager, a personal digital assistant, a wireless communication appliance,a wireless on-line database system appliance, and a wireless networkappliance.
 22. A device as in claim 1, wherein: a) an element of ananthropomorphic figure is provided on said cover.
 23. A device as inclaim 22, wherein: a) said element includes an animal head.
 24. A deviceas in claim 22, wherein: a) said element includes at least an animaltorso.
 25. A device as in claim 24, wherein: a) said cover is configuredfor covering a portable electronic device.
 26. A device as in claim 25,wherein: a) said window is located for covering a portion a keypad. 27.A device as in claim 1, wherein: a) said window includes a flexibleplastic.
 28. A device as in claim 26, wherein: a) said layer includes afirst layer and a second layer.
 29. A device as in claim 28, wherein: a)a third layer is provided between said first and second layers.
 30. Adevice as in claim 29, wherein: a) said third layer includes a fluid.31. A device as in claim 30, wherein: a) said fluid includes a liquid.32. A device as in claim 31, wherein: a) said liquid includes twoliquids of different colors.
 33. A device as in claim 22, wherein: a) anopening is provided in said cover and located for enhancing thetransmission of sound therethrough.
 34. A device as in claim 22,wherein: a) a slot is provided in said cover and sized for receiving anelectronic device therethrough; and b) a closure is provided adjacentsaid slot for closing said slot sufficiently for preventing removal ofan electronic device disposed inside said cover.
 35. A device as inclaim 34, wherein: a) a fastener is provided for restricting operationof said closure.
 36. A device as in claim 35, wherein: a) said closureincludes a zipper, and said fastener includes a hook-and-loop fastener.37. A device as in claim 8, wherein: a) a movable element is provided insaid fluid.
 38. A device as in claim 37, wherein: a) said movableelement includes a decorative element.
 39. A device as in claim 38,wherein: a) said movable element includes a toy.
 40. A device as inclaim 8, wherein: a) said liquid, first layer, and said second layer aresufficiently thick so as to restrict inadvertent actuation of a key on akeypad of an electronic device disposed in said cover, in use.
 41. Adevice as in claim 1, wherein: a) said window includes a hard plastic.42. A device as in claim 1, wherein: a) a neck strap is provided.
 43. Adevice as in claim 1, wherein: a) said window is configured formagnifying the image of a device disposed within the cover, in use. 44.A device as in claim 8, wherein: a) said liquid is selected formagnifying the image of a device disposed within the cover, in use. 45.A device as in claim 8, wherein: a) said liquid, said first layer, andsaid second layer are selected for varying the size of the image of adevice disposed within the cover, in use.